Two From Louisiana Arrested Suspected of Cruelty to a Juvenile After a 3-Year-Old Child was Treated for Multiple Serious Injuries

Lake Charles, Louisiana – Two from Louisiana have been arrested and charged with 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile after a 3-year-old child was treated for multiple serious injuries, as a result of suspected child abuse.

On January 11, 2023, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office reported that on January 10, at approximately 11:00 p.m. CPSO deputies responded to a local hospital in reference to a 3-year-old child being treated for multiple serious injuries, as a result of suspected child abuse.

Detectives made contact with Anastaga A. Leger, 22, and Ricky J. Hebert III, 21, both of Lake Charles, during the first inquiry. After speaking with detectives, they were both arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center, where they were charged with 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile. Their bonds have not yet been established.

The child was taken to a hospital outside of town for emergency surgery due to the severity of his injuries. The inquiry is ongoing, and the extent of the child's injuries is yet unknown.

The Department of Children and Family Services placed the victim and another child in state custody.

Detective Melanie Veillon of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office is the lead investigator on this case.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty.